Washing of church steps in Paris celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture
About 60,000 people are expected to attend this year’s 25th edition of the Lavagem de Madeleine , or Lavage de la Madeleine , as it is called in French – one of the largest gatherings of Afro-Brazilian culture in Europe. Brazilians, French people, and tourists from around the world will gather in Paris from September 10 to 13. Such is the expectation of the event’s creator, Roberto Chaves – or…
Paris will host approximately 60,000 attendees for the 25th Lavagem de Madeleine, a significant gathering of Afro-Brazilian culture. From September 10 to 13, Brazilians, French citizens, and global tourists will participate in the event. Organizer Roberto Chaves, known as Robertinho, moved to France in 1990 and promotes Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of France, the Lavagem is part of the city's official calendar and receives support from local and state authorities, as well as Brazilian tourism sponsors. The UNESCO Routes of Enslaved Peoples also recognizes the event, which aims to preserve the memory of the history of slavery.
Inspired by the Lavagem do Bonfim at the Church of Bonfim in Salvador, Bahia, Robertinho's idea to wash the steps of a Paris church emerged in 1998. Initially, the event took place at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, with plans to expand to the Church of La Madeleine. The 2025 parade will be led by the Afro-Brazilian group Olodum.
The event's opening will be a photo exhibition titled Três Olhares, celebrating the Lavagem's 25th anniversary. The following day, a workshop on Afro-Brazilian dance will be held, followed by a parade featuring over 700 artists showcasing various aspects of Afro-Brazilian culture. Premiering the parade are singer Mariene de Castro and Robertinho Chaves, with 15 Afro-Brazilian folk groups participating, including percussion, samba, maracatu, capoeira, and baianas, the women of Bahia.
The ceremony will conclude with Brazilian opera singer Lorena Pires performing Ave Maria, symbolizing the convergence of diverse cultural traditions.
Written by urgent.news from Agencia Brasil's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
